Are pride events overrated?

What are your thoughts on Pride events? I understand the reasoning behind them and still understand that we are behind socially such as rights to marry, etc.

But are Pride events really that helpful in sending our message out to others? I have been to numerous Pride festivals across the country (Atlanta, Baltimore, D.C., Nashville, Philadelphia and New York). The only one I can remember that was very effective from a social/political stance was DC.